Take a walk through Reiman Gardens The 14-acre Reiman Gardens is the largest public garden in the state. The facility, owned by Iowa State University, sits near Jack Trice Stadium and features indoor and outdoor gardens, an indoor conservatory, 2,500-square-foot indoor butterfly wing and five supporting greenhouses. 1407 University Blvd., Ames; 515-294-2710; reimangardens.com.

See the Art ChurchMalvern, near Council Bluffs, is home to artist Zack Jones’ project that transformed a 138-year-old church into an art gallery and concert space. His hope: Help revive the tiny town by buying and revamping one of its oldest buildings.

Hang out on Fourth StreetIt’s the city of Des Moines’ most eclectic street, featuring hipster music venues, English- and Belgian-style beer pubs, art-and-martini bars and more.

Visit the Amana ColoniesThe seven “villages” of Iowa’s Amana Colonies will offer a Saturday’s worth of shopping, food, exploring and more; www.amanacolonies.com.Take an Iowa winery tourNapa we are not, but Iowa boasts a growing wine industry, featuring several dozen wineries scattered around the state. Plan your weekend of wine at www.iowawinegrowers.org. Field of DreamsIs this heaven? No, it’s Dyersville in eastern Iowa, home of the movie site for “Field of Dreams,” a kind of mecca for baseball fans; www.fodmoviesite.com.

Order a malt at Snookies This Beaverdale old-time ice cream and malt shop is so popular, locals camp out there the night before opening day. (Pro tip: Bring your dog and get him or her a pup cone for free.) 1801 Beaver Ave.

See the bridges of Madison CountyNot the Clint Eastwood film, mind you. The annual festival isn’t until fall, but take the trip to Madison County to see the six remaining covered bridges.

Check out Effigy MoundsThe national monument in northeastern Iowa features hundreds of preserved American Indian mounds shaped like birds, mammals and more; www.nps.gov/efmo.

Race day at Newton SpeedwayYou don’t have to join the thousands of die-hard fans who camp out for the races; just pick a race weekend and see some of the country’s best drivers: June 7-8 DuPont Pioneer NASCAR Nationwide Series, June 22-23 Indy Corn 250, Aug. 2-3 U.S. Cellular 250.

Driftless Area Scenic BywaySee some of Iowa’s most beautiful views and climbs at the scenic spot, which zigzags through pre-glacial Allamakee County in the far northeast corner of the state. Go to www.iowadot.gov/iowasbyways.